BAGUIO CITY’S CONGRESSIONAL RACE A BATTLE OF “SUPER MOM”

July 13, 2024 Headlines

Survey says

BAGUIO CITY

Political observers in Baguio City seems optimistic on the “battle of super women’ comes 2025 local election.
Although, they said that with the veterans politicos, namely Lawyer Mauricio Domogan and former Baguio Rep. Nicasio Alping are not that exciting to watch. Seemingly, a survey of a local group , look up as the Baguio’s congressional race seems to be tightening up for two front-running contenders. Just two months back, Sol Go, better half of outgoing Representative Mark Go, appears to be locking up the contested seat, an early favorite.

But upcoming surprise contender Gladys Vergara has begun to move up in the latest online surveys for Baguio’s lone congressional district. Support for the eldest daughter of the well-esteemed Bernie Vergara has started to solidify early on, putting Gladys within striking distance of the front-running Sol. At 39% in the online poll held two months back, she has moved up to 42% in the latest polling, while Sol has slid down to 48%, slightly down from her previous 51%. The unprecedented political dynasty plan forged early on by incumbent Rep. Mark Go for a husband and wife
tandem seems to be crumbling this early. If at all, fielding the couple for the city’s leadership positions appears to be losing steam.

Mark Go, now in his final year of a 9-year tenure at the Batasan Pambansa, is said to be eyeing City Hall as its next
mayoralty occupant. In a surprise strategic move, he is is said to be fielding his wife, the amiable Sol Go, for his congressional seat. This move is now being seen as the start-off of a political dynasty in the making. Incumbent Mayor Benjamin Magalong currently leads the mayoralty survey with 65.97%, indicating strong support for his continued leadership. Gladys Vergara, the eldest daughter of 12-year Representative and one-term city mayor Bernardo Vergara, has now been inching up the ladder; after her father’s political leaders at the grassroots level have begun to flex muscles.

Vergara, currently the chair of the Baguio Tourism Council, is expected to garner more support from the barangays, long a source of political strength of her father. Trailing far behind in the survey are long-time political figures Atty. Mauricio Domogan and Atty. Nicasio Aliping. Gladys Vergara has started to activate a substantial network of political allies and is reportedly readying campaign machinery deeply entrenched in the local political landscape.
Political analysts believe that the race will be closely contested, with Sol Go leveraging her helpful image as Mark Go’s wife and her involvement in various community events.

On the other hand, Gladys Vergara is expected to draw on political favors from barangay leaders who have remained
loyal to her family. In the vice-mayoral race, re-electionist Faustino Olowan Jr. is expected to have an easy win, largely due to his 6-year tenure as the second-in command at City Hall. His challengers potentially include Councilor Mylen Yaranon and surprise contender Councilor Benny Bomogao as per political pundits.

Additionally, fresh faces are emerging for the City Council. Atty. Paolo Salvosa, from the well-esteemed Salvosa clan of the University of the Cordilleras, and Van Dicang, the high-performing Punong Barangay of Lower Quirino Hill, are among those eyeing a council seat. As the political temperature continues its ascending climb, Baguio’s electorate eagerly watches the unfolding drama, ready to cast their votes and perhaps even some popcorn as they enjoy the spectacle of this lively political show.